Uncertain Fate for Monroe City School Board Superintendent

Will he stay or will he go? The fate of an embattled Monroe School Superintendent. Two weeks ago the Monroe City School Board voted against renewing Dr. James Duprees contract when it expires September 20th, but last night a group showed up at the school board meeting and now at least one board member is having a change of heart. Supporters say they can point to a long list of accomplishments made during Dr. Duprees tenure, but critics say Duprees lack of communication with school board members is the reason they voted 5 to 2 against keeping him. For Monroe School Superintendent Dr. James Dupree, Tuesday night was anything but routine. “I think I was as surprised as anyone else at the board meeting," said Dupree. And what made the board meeting memorable? Unexpected guests. Rev. Rodney McFarland, Monroe School Board member, said, “when Mayor Mayo came and Mr. Clark, Robert Clark and Representative Hunter, Mr. Miller and community, people that havent been to the board meetings." Monroes Chief Executive, Mayor Jamie Mayo said, “many citizens including myself were confused when Dr. Duprees contract wasnt renewed considering his excellent job performance. The mayor and ordinary citizens attended the meeting to ask board members to reconsider their decision to not renew Duprees contract when it expires in September. “Some key individuals in the community itself just decided to make an expression," said Dupree. In the years since Dr. James Dupree took the reins of the Monroe City School System his admirers say that they can point to several accomplishments that have occurred during his tenure. Dr Dupree’s critics however, say that he doesnt communicate well with the school board. “Poor communication and I even stated that in the meeting." said McFarland. Nonetheless, McFarland says Tuesday’s meeting put him in a different mindset. “That really changed my heart a great deal,” he said. Mayor Mayo and others in attendance at Tuesday nights meeting say solid financial management, improved test scores and more certified teachers in the classroom mean Dupree has earned a chance to continue the work he began four years ago when he became superintendent. McFarland said, “Im ready to reconsider Dr. Duprees contract". And what about Dr. Dupree? Will he accept a new contract from the group that rejected him just two weeks ago? He said, “of course." At last nights meeting Reverend McFarland also requested the school board postpone its planned search for Dupree’s replacement. A search that may never occur if other board members have a change of heart and decide to keep Dr. Dupree on the job. (Copyright 2008, NBC 10/Fox 14 News)